Golf ball COR testing machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises an automated machine for testing the physical properties of spherical objects. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a firing mechanism that includes an inner and outer barrel. An object inside the firing mechanism is propelled towards a striking surface that faces the firing mechanism. Two sensors located at predetermined points between the firing mechanism and the striking surface measure the inbound and outbound velocity of the object. A computing device then uses an algorithm to determine the COR of a given set of objects. An angular device uses gravity to direct the objects to a retrieval chute, which uses a tubing system to direct the objects for re-testing or collection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/428,750, filed May 5, 2003 (“Golf Ball COR TestingMachine”), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/955,124, filed Sep. 19, 2001 (“Apparatus and Method forMeasurement of Coefficient of Restitution and Contact Time”).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing sphericalobjects. More specifically, the present invention relate to an apparatusfor testing the physical properties, Coefficient of Restitution, andquality of golf balls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of equipment have been used for testing the physicalproperties of objects such as golf balls. One type of equipment employsa mechanical device that is programmed to swing a golf club in arepeated pattern to drive balls from a fixed tee position in order totest for travel distances of the balls. Other types of equipment use apropelling mechanism to launch a ball through a predetermined path,along which sensors are provided for recording the flight of the ball.

One such device employs a barrel into which a golf ball can be mountedvia a hinged cover in the side of the barrel. This type of device uses asealing ring within the bore of the barrel to hold the ball in position.After closing the hinged cover, a pneumatic charge is delivered to thebarrel so as to push the ball through the sealing ring, and out of thebarrel, at a high speed. However, this type of mechanism is not able toconsistently launch balls at a given velocity. This is typically due tothe fact that the threshold for passing the ball through the sealingring varies for each ball being fired. Typically, this causesinconsistency. Because the sealing ring causes an inconsistency in thevelocity of the ball, it becomes difficult to adjust the velocity of theball to test at different speeds. When testing velocity dependantphysical characteristics, such as Coefficient of Restitution, this isoften desirable.

When measuring the characteristics of a ball, it is desirable to propelthe ball at a known and consistent velocity. This can be important whenmeasuring many ball characteristics, such as coefficient of restitution,durability, or compressive stiffness. Specifically, when testingcoefficient of restitution, it is particularly important to be able topropel a set of balls at a consistent velocity.

Current devices have many other drawbacks. These devices are typicallybulky, and require many components. In addition, the devices typicallyrequire balls to be manually fed and recovered, resulting in significantdowntime and increased operator time. Additionally, current devices donot provide a reliable apparatus or method for testing at different ballvelocities. Furthermore, existing devices do not conveniently allow forthe testing of differently sized balls.

A continuing need exists for an apparatus for accurately testing thephysical properties of golf balls while minimizing the time and numberof components required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatusfor measuring the physical properties of a golf ball. The apparatuscomprises a striking surface, and a propelling device facing thestriking surface. The propelling device preferably fires a golf balltowards the striking surface. In a preferred embodiment, the propellingdevice comprises an interchangeable barrel system. A sensing unit islocated between the striking surface and the propelling device. Thesensing unit preferably has a measuring field covering a space betweenthe propelling device and the striking surface. Preferably, the sensingunit is capable of measuring the time it takes for the golf ball totravel a distance in the measuring field of the sensing unit. Acomputing unit is in communication with the sensing unit, and ispreferably capable of calculating the Coefficient of Restitution of thegolf ball. Preferably, the computing unit is capable of recording theimpact properties for each impact of a plurality of golf balls.

In a preferred embodiment, the interchangeable barrel system comprisesan inner barrel and an outer barrel. The inner barrel has a slidingconnection with the outer barrel, and is preferably interchangeablebased on the size of the golf ball being fired. The outer barrelpreferably has an opening that allows a golf ball to be loaded into thebarrel system.

A golf ball is loaded into the barrel system by inserting a golf ballthrough the opening in the outer barrel. The inner barrel, which has anangled leading edge, then captures the ball with the assistance of atubular backstop that is attached to the outer barrel. The leading edgeof the inner barrel preferably has an angle of between 30 and 50degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the inner barrel is betweenabout 0.038 and 0.042 inches greater than the diameter of the golf ball.The diameter of the outer barrel is between about 0.030 and 0.050 inchesgreater than the diameter of the inner barrel.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire barrel system is positioned at anangle relative to a horizontal plane. The angle is preferably chosen toprevent the golf ball from falling out of the barrel system. In apreferred embodiment, this angle is preferably between 0.01 and 3.0degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the barrel system and the striking surfaceare positioned at an angle that is not orthogonal. The angle ispreferably determined in order to prevent a fired golf ball fromre-entering the barrel system after rebounding off of the strikingsurface. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the propellingdevice and the striking surface is between 90 and 95 degrees.

Preferably, the barrel system includes a fast acting valve that closessubstantially as soon as the golf ball leaves the barrel system. Thisprevents a propellant from affecting the flight path of the ball or, insome embodiments, the sensing unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensing unit comprises at least twosensors. One of the sensors may be placed substantially close to thestriking surface in order to calculate the impact duration between thegolf ball and the striking surface.

The fired golf balls are collected using a chamber floor that employsgravity to direct the balls towards an exit chute. The exit chutedirects the balls towards a pneumatically controlled return system. Thereturn system has a valve that either directs balls back to the barrelsystem, or to a collection device.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises adampening device including compliant material. Preferably, the dampeningdevice comprises a curtain. The curtain may be selectively positionedbetween the propelling device and the sensing unit. It is preferablyconfigured and dimensioned to include an opening that does not obstructa golf ball exiting the propelling device. The compliant material may beselectively positioned to decrease the speed of the sample after impactwith the striking surface.

A testing chamber may be included. The testing chamber preferablycomprises at least the striking surface, the propelling device, and thesensing unit. The floor of the testing chamber may be configured anddimensioned to include a trap door that is capable of allowing debris toexit the testing chamber.

A debris removal device may be selectively positioned about the floor ofthe testing chamber and it may be capable of direction at least aportion of the debris towards the trap door. In one embodiment, thedebris removal device may be capable of impart vibrations to the floorof the testing chamber. In another embodiment, the debris removal devicemay comprise a plurality of air nozzles capable of directing compressedair in a predetermined direction.

In one embodiment, the propelling device may be capable of firinggreater than about 10 balls per minute. More preferably, the propellingdevice may be capable of firing greater than about 20 balls per minute.Preferably, the computing unit is capable of determining when a golfball has failed based on the Coefficient of Restitution. In oneembodiment, failure may be determined when the Coefficient ofRestitution of a golf ball changes by more than about 10%. Morepreferably, failure may be determined when the Coefficient ofRestitution of a golf ball changes by about 20% or more. In anotherembodiment, the computing unit may determine when a golf ball has failedwhen its Coefficient of Restitution changes between about 0.015 andabout 0.045.

Preferably, the computing unit is capable of controlling the number oftimes that each of the plurality of balls are fired. The computing unitmay be capable of testing at least some of the plurality of golf ballsbased on test criteria. The test criteria may include, but are notlimited to, the number of test cycles fro each of the plurality ofballs, COR failure criteria, average COR of each of the plurality ofballs, and contact time.

In another embodiment, the present invention may comprise a method ofmeasuring the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of a plurality of golfballs. The method includes providing a propelling device, a strikingsurface, and a sensing unit located between the striking surface andthen propelling device. Golf balls are first fired automatically fromthe propelling device towards the striking surface. Preferably, methodincludes automatically recording impact properties for each impact of aplurality of golf balls. Once the balls are fired, the sensing unitmeasures the velocity of the balls before it contacts the strikingsurface. The sensing unit then measures the velocity of the balls afterit rebounds from the striking surface. Any desired method may then beused to determine the COR of the golf ball.

In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes collecting the firedgolf balls after they rebound from the striking surface. The balls maythen be redirected to either the propelling device or a collectiondevice. If the balls are directed towards the propelling device, theyare once again fired and their velocities are measured both before andafter contacting the striking surface. In another embodiment, thecontact time of the golf ball may be determined using a substantiallysimilar method.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises automaticallydetermining if a golf ball has a compromised structural integrity. Agolf ball having a compromised structural integrity may then beautomatically directed towards an exit. Any remaining golf balls ay bedirected towards the propelling device. Each of the balls may beautomatically tracked to determine which balls are directed towards theexit and which balls are directed towards the propelling device.

Other and further aspects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, which by way of illustration, show preferredembodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments of the inventionembodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structuralchanges may be made as desired by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the present invention and the purview of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be betterunderstood and more readily apparent when considered in conjunction withthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, preferred embodiments of the inventionand in which:

FIG. 1 is an arrangement of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the arrangement of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an object in motion using the arrangement of theapparatus shown in FIG. 2 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the arrangement of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1 using two sensing devices according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the arrangement of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1 using two sensing devices according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the arrangement of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1 using three sensing devices according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the third optical sensor in accordance with apreferred embodiment of FIG. 6 according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the arrangement of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1, using optical cameras according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exemplary loading tube according to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 11 a-c are diagrams showing exemplary inner and outer barrelsaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 12 a-b are diagrams showing an exemplary screw and alignment pinsaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 13 a-c are diagrams showing exemplary barrel arrangementsaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing exemplary pressure gauges and regulatorsaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 15 a-b are diagrams showing exemplary arrangements of emitters andreceivers according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention relates to anautomated machine used to test spherical objects. The properties thatmay be tested include physical properties, for example, quality,durability, and Coefficient of Restitution (COR) of spheres.

In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the functions of thepresent invention may be automated. The capabilities of the presentinvention include, for example, the ability to load, fire, and returnone or more balls through a testing apparatus. Preferably, the presentinvention is capable of determining the durability of a golf ball, orgolf ball component, or other spherical samples. According to one aspectof the present invention, this may be accomplished by testing the golfball or golf ball component repeatedly to determine its COR. Optionally,the golf ball or golf ball component may be tested repeatedly untilfailure. In other words, the golf ball or golf ball component may betested until its structural integrity is compromised. It may bedesirable to add other capabilities to suit a particular application. Inone embodiment, determining durability, COR, or the like may becontrolled by a processor. Preferably, the processor includes a userinterface such that a user is capable of inputting information, such asthe test name, name of the operator, number of cycles per sample, targetvelocity, number of samples per group, diameter of the samples, failureat a selectable COR, number of groups to be tested, and the like.Alternately, a group of balls may be tested until a desired percentageof them fail, as described in more detail below.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for determiningthe COR of a spherical object. In a preferred embodiment, the sphericalobject may be a golf ball or golf ball core. In a preferred embodiment,the present invention provides an apparatus that automatically tests andcollects a desired number of golf balls. Preferably, the presentinvention is capable of maintaining an inventory of the golf balls orgolf ball components. In other words, the present invention is capableof tracking of individual samples that are tested. This may be done inany desired manner, for example, through the use of a processor, or thelike.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a ball returntubing system 901, a firing barrel 903, a testing chamber 905, astriking surface, and a ball retrieval mechanism. In a preferredembodiment, the present invention also comprises at least two sensorslocated within the testing chamber 905, a pressurized air tank 911, aloading cylinder 913, a computer 915, and a set of differently sizedfiring barrels 917.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a desired number ofgolf balls may be loaded into a ball return tubing system 901. The ballreturn tubing system 901 carries the balls into a loading cylinder 913.The loading cylinder 913 is capable of feeding the balls into a firingbarrel 903. Once a ball is loaded into the firing barrel 903,pressurized air from the pressurized air tank 911 is used to fire theball at the striking surface, through the testing chamber 905. Thestriking surface (not visible in FIG. 9), is located within the testingchamber 905, on the end opposite the firing barrel 903. The ball willeventually fall to the floor of the testing chamber 905 after reboundingoff of the striking surface. Using a ball retrieval mechanism located onthe floor of the testing chamber 905, the balls are fed back into theball return tubing system 901. The controllable gate 907 may be used toeither feed the balls back into the firing barrel 903, or to direct theballs to a pick-up tray 909.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may determine the CORof the tested balls based on at least two sensors that may be located atpredetermined points between the firing barrel 903 and the strikingsurface. The sensors measure the inbound and outbound velocities of eachfired ball. The sensors send this and other information to a computer915, which may then be used to determine the COR. In a preferredembodiment, differently sized balls may be tested by replacing anexisting firing barrel 903 with one of the differently sized firingbarrels 917.

The spherical objects that may be tested include golf balls, golf ballcores, or other golf ball components. The spherical object may alsoinclude a golf ball that is not completely formed, for example, a golfball without a cover. However, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to golf balls or golf ball cores. Any type of sphericalobject, for example, tennis balls, racquet balls, basketballs,volleyballs, etc., may be used. As will be appreciated by those skilledin the art, the physical properties of any type of spherical object maybe tested in accordance with the present invention.

According to the present invention, one or more balls may be loaded intoa transport system. In a preferred embodiment, the transport systemcomprises a ball return tubing system 901 that may be used to transportthe balls to a loading cylinder 913. In alternate embodiments, anytransport system capable of moving spherical objects from one point toanother may be used.

In a preferred embodiment, a desired number of balls may be loaded intothe ball return tubing system 901 via a loading tube 1001, shown in FIG.10. The tubing system 901 carries the balls to the loading cylinder 913.The ball return tubing system 901 ends at the loading cylinder 913, andbegins again at the floor of the testing chamber 905. Using gravity,balls that exit the testing chamber 905 may be fed back to the firingbarrel 903 or they may be fed to a pick up tray 909. The destination ofthe balls may be controlled using a controllable gate 907. In someembodiments, the gate 907 may be controlled manually. In otherembodiments, the gate 907 may be controlled automatically, for example,by using a computer 915 or controller.

According to the present invention, the loading cylinder 913 receivesballs that are loaded into the loading tube 1001. In a preferredembodiment, the loading cylinder 913 comprises a plurality ofpneumatically operated fingers which control ball feed into a firingbarrel 903. In this embodiment, the pneumatically operated fingersseparate the balls from one another. Each ball may then be fed into thefiring barrel 903 individually. While a selected ball is being fed intothe firing barrel 903, the pneumatically operated fingers prevent anyother balls from entering. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the pneumatic fingers may be controlled through the use of acomputer 915 or a controller. In other embodiments, the pneumaticfingers may be controlled manually. Other types of loading systems maybe employed in alternate embodiments. Alternate loading systems may useany ball feed control mechanism that is known to those skilled in theart.

In a preferred embodiment, the loading cylinder 913 is connected to thefiring barrel 903. However, in alternate embodiments, intermediateapparatus may be placed in between the loading cylinder 913 and thefiring barrel 903. In alternate embodiments, the firing barrel 903 maybe replaced by any type of device that is capable of propelling anobject towards a striking surface. These devices include, for example,an air cannon, a linear motor, a translating belt, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the firingbarrel 903 comprises a shuttling barrel system used for positioning andfiring balls. According to this embodiment, the firing barrel 903comprises an inner and outer barrel, as shown in FIG. 11 a. Preferably,the outer barrel is located in a fixed position and has a fixeddiameter.

The diameter of the outer barrel may be chosen based on the size of theballs that are going to be tested. The inner barrel may be attached tothe outer barrel using a variety of methods, such as a slip fitmechanism. Preferably, the two barrels fit together snugly and allowobjects to be fired repeatedly. When clearance between the two barrelsis too small, friction forces may restrict the movement of the innerbarrel. When the clearance is too large, air that is intended to beforced into the inner barrel may flow between the two barrels.Preferably, the clearance between the two barrels is chosen to minimizeboth of these undesirable effects. In a preferred embodiment, when theclearance is less than approximately 0.020″, the friction between thebarrels may impact the spin of the fired ball. In addition, the velocityof the fired ball may be inconsistent. When the clearance between thetwo barrels is larger than 0.060″, turbulence may adversely affect thefiring of the ball.

Preferably, the diameter of the outer barrel is between 0.001 and 0.075greater than the diameter of the inner barrel. More preferably, theclearance between the outer barrel is between 0.005 and 0.010 greaterthan the diameter of the inner barrel. Inner barrels may also be chosenbased on the diameter of the object to be tested. In a preferredembodiment, the inner diameter of the inner barrel is between about0.005 and about 0.060 greater than the diameter of the ball. Morepreferably, the diameter of the inner barrel is between about 0.030 andabout 0.050 greater than the diameter of the ball.

In a preferred embodiment, balls are loaded into the barrel system asshown in FIG. 11 b, using, for example, an entryway 1101 in the outerbarrel. The inner barrel has, for example, an angled leading edge thatcaptures the ball and places it into the proper firing position, asshown in FIG. 11 c. Once the ball is loaded into the outer barrel, theinner barrel moves towards the tubular backstop shown in FIG. 11 b. In apreferred embodiment, the tubular backstop is fixed to the outer barrel,and provides a shuttling mechanism into the barrel. The ball restsagainst the tubular backstop and cooperates with the leading edge of theinner barrel to position the ball inside the inner barrel. Preferably,the diameter of the tubular backstop is smaller than the diameter of thesmallest ball or component that needs to be fired. More preferably, thetubular backstop is between 0.030 and 0.050″ smaller than the diameterof the ball. The tubular backstop may be manually changed according tothe size of the ball being tested.

In a preferred embodiment, the ball should be positioned so that it iscompletely inside the inner barrel, as shown in FIG. 11 d. Preferably,the length of the leading edge is less than or equal to the radius ofthe ball. This allows the ball to be properly positioned inside theinner diameter of the barrel. When the length of the leading edge islarger than the radius of the ball, the ball may be positionedimproperly, as shown in FIG. 11 e. This may prevent the ball from beingfired properly. Preferably, the leading edge has an angle between 10 and80 degrees. More preferably, the leading edge has an angle between 30and 50 degrees.

Using its leading edge, the inner barrel captures the ball. The innerbarrel may then provide a smooth, continuous barrel for the ball to bepropelled out of. Typically, it is difficult to accurately, andrepeatedly fire a ball at a desired velocity. However, the smooth,continuous, closed surface of the inner barrel allows the ball to beprecisely and accurately propelled at a desired velocity.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the size of thespherical objects may be varied as desired. In order to accommodatedifferently sized objects, the inner barrel of the firing barrel 903 maybe interchanged. In a preferred embodiment, the alternate firing barrels917 are stored as shown in FIG. 9. In a preferred embodiment, thedifferently sized firing barrels 917 of the present invention may bemanually interchanged. Firing barrels may be interchanged based on, forexample, selective use of alignment mechanisms and fasteners. Alignmentpins, for example, clevis pins or screws, may be used with fasteners todetach and attach barrels. More preferably, a single thumb screw may beused to detach and attach barrels.

According to one aspect of the present invention, each inner barrel hasat least one alignment pin attached to it. In a preferred embodiment,two alignment pins attached to the inner barrel aid in attaching apiston 1201 to the inner barrel, as shown in FIG. 12 a. In a preferredembodiment, the piston 1201 allows the inner barrel to move back andforth within the outer barrel. This motion is necessary, for example, toallow the inner barrel to capture a ball, as previously described withrespect to FIGS. 11 b-e. Once the pneumatic device 1201 is aligned withthe inner barrel, an attaching screw may be used to hold the piston 1201in place.

In a preferred embodiment, an alignment pin also aids in the insertionof the inner barrel. As shown in FIG. 12 b, an alignment pin on theinner barrel corresponds to a groove on the inner circumference of theouter barrel. When matched with the groove, the alignment pins simplifythe insertion of the inner barrel into the outer barrel. This is justone example of how the inner and outer barrels may be aligned andinserted. In other embodiments, any method or apparatus known to thoseskilled in the art may be used to facilitate the insertion of the innerbarrel into the outer barrel.

In a preferred embodiment, the firing barrel 903 is set at an upwardangle. The upward angle may be varied to allow gravity to keep the ballfrom rolling out of the barrel 903. Preferably, the barrel 903 angle inrelation to level ground is between 0.01 and 60 degrees. Morepreferably, the angle is between 0.01 and 3.0 degrees. In someembodiments, the entire testing chamber 905 may be placed at an anglewith respect to the ground. In such alternate embodiments, the ball maybe prevented from rolling out of the barrel 903 using, for example, astopping mechanism. This may be necessary in applications where, forexample, a ball is fired towards a target at an angle that is less than90 degrees with respect to the ground.

In an exemplary embodiment, the firing barrel 903 may be interchangedautomatically. In this embodiment, a plurality of firing barrels areplaced in desired configurations. In one such embodiment, shown in FIG.13 a, a plurality of firing barrels may be placed in a substantiallycircular manner at a given radius from a central point. In thisembodiment, the firing barrels may be interchanged by rotating thesubstantially circular arrangement. In this way, differently sized ballsmay be fired from the present invention while minimizing the timerequired to replace differently sized firing barrels. In thisembodiment, the firing barrels may be interchanged automatically usingautomatic switching, for example, through the use of an electric motor.The switching may be controlled by a user, or alternately, through theuse of a computer 915 or controller.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 13 b, a predetermined number ofdifferently sized firing barrels may be placed substantially adjacent toeach other in a substantially linear manner. In this embodiment, firingbarrels capable of accommodating differently sized spheres may beinterchangeable by moving the desired firing barrel into place. Inanother embodiment, shown in FIG. 13 c, two sets of substantiallyadjacent firing barrels, located in a substantially linear manner, maybe used to alternate the size of the firing barrel. The substantiallylinearly arranged firing barrels may be arranged at any angle withrespect to the ground. As mentioned above, the barrels may be switchedbased on a processor, such as a computer, controller, and the like. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the arrangement ofdifferently sized firing barrels may be changed in according to aparticular application.

In a preferred embodiment, balls may be fired out of the firing barrel903 by pneumatically firing pressurized air into the firing barrel 903,propelling the ball into flight. In a preferred embodiment, thepressurized air is stored in a pressurized air tank 911. The volume ofthe air tank 911 is preferably, for example, at least 1 time the volumeof the inner barrel. More preferably, the volume of the tank 911 isbetween about 1 and about 5 times the volume of the inner barrel. Mostpreferably, the volume of the tank 911 is between about 1.5 and about2.5 times the volume of the inner barrel. The pressure that is firedinto the firing barrel 903 may be monitored and adjusted by using one ormore pressure gauges and regulators, as shown in FIG. 14. It issometimes desirable to determine the COR of a ball based on measurementsdetermined at two separate velocities. In these applications, a secondpressure gauge and regulator may be desirable. In other embodiments,alternate devices such as a regulated air supply, may be used to fireair into the inner barrel.

In a preferred embodiment, the firing barrel 903 is capable ofpropelling a ball at speeds from about 50 to about 200 feet/second(ft/s). However, the pressure may be adjusted to fire the ball at anydesired speed. In other embodiments, the air may be generated by anytype of pressurized air mechanism known to those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized air is fired into the firingbarrel 903 for a predetermined time period. This time period may bechosen so that the ball can be propelled at a desired velocity. Afterthis time period expires, a fast acting cut-off valve, for example, asinclair valve, stops the pressurized air from being fired into thefiring barrel 903. In a preferred embodiment, the fast acting valve hasa repeatable opening time. Preferably, the fast acting valve shouldprovide a good seal at low and high pressures.

In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized air stream should last untilthe ball leaves the barrel. It is desirable to discontinue thepressurized air stream immediately after the ball leaves the barrel.This prevents the air from affecting the velocity of the ball after ithas left the tube. Additionally, certain types of sensors, for example,light gates sensors, may be affected by high pressure air streams. Thefast acting cut-off valve ensures that the pressurized air stream isonly fired into the firing barrel 903 long enough to propel the ball,but not so long that it may affect other parts of the present invention.Preferably, the volume of air fired into the inner barrel is about 1 toabout 5 times the volume of the inner barrel. Most preferably, thevolume of air fired into the inner barrel is twice the volume of theinner barrel.

In a preferred embodiment, the ball leaves the firing barrel 903 andimparts to an immovable plate. Preferably, the immovable plate is anon-deformable plate. The plate may be formed out of any type ofmaterial, for example, a metal, an alloy, plastic, or a combination ofother materials known to those skilled in the art. In a preferredembodiment, the immovable plate is located at an angle with respect tothe firing barrel 903. Preferably, the angle between the barrel 903 andthe plate is close to 90 degrees to avoid placing spin on the reboundingobject. However, the angle should be chosen so that the ball isprevented from rebounding off of the immovable plate and re-entering thebarrel 903. Preferably, the angle of the immovable plate with respect tothe firing barrel 903 is between 45 and 135 degrees. Most preferably,the angle is between 90 and 95 degrees. Most preferably, the angle isbetween 90.5 and 92 degrees.

In other embodiments, the ball may be prevented from re-entering thebarrel 903 using alternate methods. For example, the barrel 903 may beplaced at an angle, in a horizontal direction, with respect to theimmovable plate. In such an embodiment, the angle should be chosen sothat the ball is able to rebound off of the immovable plate and passthrough the sensors. The angle should not be so large that the ballrebounds off the immovable plate and hits the side of the testingchamber 905. The horizontal angle of the barrel 903 with respect to theimmovable plate is preferably close to zero degrees to avoid placingspin on the rebounding object. Preferably, the horizontal angle isbetween 0 and 10 degrees. More preferably, the horizontal angle isbetween 0 and 5 degrees. Most preferably, the horizontal angle isbetween 0 and 2 degrees.

The testing chamber 905 may be formed out of any material or materials.In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 905 is a rectangular cube.However, the testing chamber may have any shape. In a preferredembodiment, the volume of the chamber 905 is sufficient to enclose theimmovable plate and other desired hardware. Preferably, the testingchamber 905 prevents any outside interference from affecting the firingbarrel 903, the ball, and the immovable plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the floor of the testing chamber 905 includesa ball retrieval mechanism. In this embodiment, the floor of the chamber905 is angled. Preferably, the angle of the floor is sufficient to allowgravity to provide ball motion towards an exit chute. The angle of thefloor or machine may be, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees. Morepreferably the angle may be between 1 and 5 degrees. The exit chute maybe located at any point on the chamber 905 floor. In a preferredembodiment, the exit chute is connected to the tubing system 901.

Depending on a particular application, the balls may either be returnedto be fired at, for example, a second velocity, or they may be exitedfor collection. Preferably, the processor is capable of directing theballs towards a collection chamber when it is no longer desired for aset of balls to be tested. This is preferably done based on the tubingsystem 901. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any ballcollection apparatus or method may be used in accordance with thepresent invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is capable of determining ifthe structural integrity of a spherical object has been compromised.This may be accomplished in any desired manner. Preferably, thestructural integrity of the spherical object is determined automaticallybased on, for example, an optical detection system. The detection systemis preferably controlled by a processor, such as a computer, controller,or the like. In one embodiment, desired software implemented by theprocessor may determine the criteria by which the structural integrityis judged.

In one embodiment, the present invention is capable of sorting sphericalobjects into at least three categories: passed; failed; and exited.Passed objects are objects that are to be fired again. Failed objectsare objects whose structural integrity has been compromised. Theseobjects are preferably removed from the testing chamber through the useof a trap door and a debris removal device, both of which are discussedin more detail below. Exited objects are objects that no longer requiretesting. These objects may be directed towards a collection bin.

In one embodiment, the present invention is preferably capable oftracking each of the three categories of balls. For example, if threeballs are tested according to the present invention, a processor iscapable of tracking each of the three balls through the testing process.The processor is preferably capable of maintaining an inventory of eachof the balls. If a ball has failed, or is exited, the processor iscapable of accounting for the subsequent absence of these balls.Similarly, if a ball is to be passed for re-testing, the processor iscapable of redirecting it back towards the tubular barrel in order to befired again.

In one embodiment, tracking each of the plurality of balls allows thepresent invention to be capable of being programmed to test one or moreballs according to desired test criteria. For example, the test criteriacould comprise testing one or more balls a certain number of times todetermine its durability, COR failure criteria, and the like.Alternately, the processor may be capable of testing one or more golfballs until its COR is no longer within a predetermined acceptablelevel. In another embodiment, it may be useful to test a group of golfballs to determine average performance. Average performance may include,for example, the average COR of a group of golf balls, the averagenumber of strikes before COR drops below a predetermined threshold, theaverage COR of a group of balls, and the like. One advantage of beingable to track each of the balls during the performance of various tests,such as the ones described above, is that the processor may be capableof plotting and analyzing the results of the various tests. This may beuseful for analyzing trends in the performance of a golf ball or groupof golf balls.

Preferably, the present invention also includes a method and apparatusfor removing debris from the floor of the testing chamber 905. Accordingto one aspect of the present invention, the floor of the testing chamber905 includes one or more sets of trap doors. The trap doors arepreferably capable of opening such that debris may be removed from thetesting chamber. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used totest a golf ball or golf ball component until failure. In other words,the golf ball or component may be repeatedly propelled towards theimmovable plate until its structural integrity is compromised. In suchan embodiment, including trap doors would allow the debris from thestructurally compromised golf ball or component to be removed withoutmanual intervention.

As described above, the present invention may be used to determine theCOR of a spherical object, such as a golf ball or golf ball component.Thus, it is desirable for the surface of the spherical objects to remainsubstantially smooth. However, if debris from structurally compromisedobjects is allowed to remain on the floor of the testing chamber 905,this material may adhere to other objects that are being tested. Thismay cause desired measurements to be inaccurate. Thus, one advantage ofincluding trap doors to remove debris is that the accuracy and precisionof the measurements may be maintained. The opening and closing of thetrap doors may be controlled by a processor, such as a computer,controller, or the like.

In one embodiment, a golf ball or golf ball component may have itsstructural integrity compromised after being fired against the strikingsurface only once. In such an embodiment, sensors are preferably capableof detecting the presence of the structurally compromised object on thefloor of the testing chamber. In some instances, a structurallycompromised object may not be able to roll towards the exit, thusallowing the processor to determine that the object has failed. Incombination with sensors positioned about the floor of the testingchamber, the processor is capable of directing the debris towards anexit, as described in more detail below.

In another embodiment, a failed object may be determined when its CORdrops below a certain threshold, or alternately when the COR of theobject drops be a predetermined percentage. The COR change may bedetermined based on successive firings. In some instances, the COR of anobject may fail gradually, until it is no longer desirable to continuetesting. In these instances, the processor may determine if the COR ofthe object has failed based on two or more measured COR's for aparticular object.

In one embodiment, the processor is capable of determining if an objecthas failed when its COR changes by between about 0.010 and about 0.100.More preferably, the processor is capable of determining if an objecthas failed when its COR changes by between about 0.015 and about 0.045.Most preferably, the processor is capable of determining if an objecthas failed when its COR changes by between about 0.020 and about 0.030.

Alternately, the processor is preferably able to determine if an objecthas failed when its COR drops by about 10% or more. More preferably, theprocessor is able to determine if an object has failed when its CORdrops by about 20% or more. Most preferably, the processor is able todetermine if an object has failed when its COR drops by about 10% ormore.

In addition to the trap doors, the present invention may include anapparatus for aiding in the removal of the debris. Preferably, thedebris removal device is automatically activated, and requiressubstantially little manual intervention by an operator. Any type ofdevice know to those skilled in the art may be used. In one embodiment,the debris may be detected by a sensor, for example, an LED through beamsensor. However, any other sensor known to those skilled in the art maybe used. The sensors may be based on, for example, sound. Alternately,the sensor may be based on light within any spectrum, for example,infrared or radio frequency.

In one embodiment, the debris removal device may be capable of causingthe floor of the testing chamber 905 to vibrate. Preferably, thevibration is sufficient to cause any debris to move towards the trapdoors. In another embodiment, the debris removal device may comprisecompressed air nozzles that are capable of directing air in desireddirections. It may be desirable to position the air nozzles at theperiphery of the floor of the testing chamber, such that the compressedair is capable of directing debris towards the center, where the trapdoors may be located. In such an embodiment, the compressed airpneumatically fired into the testing chamber, and may be supplied by,for example, an air tank similar to the pressurized air tank 911discussed above.

In one embodiment, it may be desirable to include a dampening device toslow the sample rebound speed after it rebounds from the immovable plateand passes through the at least two sensors. Preferably, the dampeningdevice does not interfere with the flight of the ball, either as itpasses towards the immovable plate, or as it rebounds off the plate andpasses through the at least two sensors. As such, it may be desirable toposition the dampening device between the firing barrel and the firstsensor. In one embodiment, the dampening device comprises a compliantmaterial. In another embodiment, the dampening device comprises acurtain that includes at least some compliant material. Preferably, thecurtain is configured and dimensioned such that it is capable of passingthe tubular barrel. In other words, the tubular barrel is capable ofpassing through the curtain such that the spherical object may be firedtowards the immovable plate without being obstructed. However, once thespherical object rebounds off the immovable plate, it will strike thecurtain. Preferably, positioning the curtain within the testing chamberprovides the advantage of slowing the spherical object down. Thus, theobject will be less likely to rebound off the inside of the chambermultiple times.

One advantage of slowing the rebound speed of the spherical object isthat it may fall to the floor of the testing chamber in a controlledmanner in a shorter period of time. Thus, multiple objects may be firedmore rapidly, reducing testing time, and increasing efficiency. In oneembodiment, the dampening device preferably allows the cycling time of adesired number of balls to be increased. In other words, a greaternumber of balls may be tested during a desired period of time.Preferably, between about 10 and about 20 balls may be tested perminute. More preferably, between about 10 and about 15 balls may betested per minute. Most preferably, between about 10 and about 13 ballsmay be tested per minute. In another embodiment, it is preferable thatabout 10 or more balls may be tested per minute. More preferably, about15 or more balls may be tested per minute. Most preferably, about 20 ormore balls may be tested per minute.

Once the ball is fired from the firing barrel 903, it passes through theair at an outbound velocity, and strikes the immovable plate. The ballthen rebounds off of the plate at an inbound velocity. In the preferredembodiment, the inbound and outbound velocity may be measured using, forexample, a minimum of two sensors. The sensors may be separated by adesired distance in order to detect the velocity of the fired object.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensors may have LED's or light emittingdevices and receiving lenses. More preferably, the sensors are infraredLED through beam sensors. Infrared LED sensors typically have a longlife span, require less maintenance, and are more accurate when used todetect low speed objects, such as a golf ball. The sensors may bearranged in any manner to allow sensing of an object passing through apredetermined plane. In a preferred embodiment, an alternating lineararray of individual emitters and receivers may be arranged opposite asimilar alternating linear array of individual receivers and emitters,as shown in FIG. 15 a. Typically, corresponding emitters and receiversmay differ in size. Alternately stacking emitters and receivers allowsthe distance 1501 between the beams 1503 to be minimized. In otherembodiments, the linear array of emitters may be arranged opposite alinear array of individual receivers, as shown in FIG. 15 b.

In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the emitters andreceivers may be, for example, between {fraction (1/16)} and ½ inches.More preferably, the distance between the sensors may be, for example,between ⅛ and ¼ inches. In other embodiments, any type of sensors knownto those skilled in the art may be used. Sensors that may be usedinclude, for example, a light gate, a ballistics screen, an opticalsensor, or the like. The type of sensor used should be suitable fordetecting low and high speed objects. Preferably, the position of thesensors should be well known, i.e., they should be placed at precisedistances from the firing barrel.

After the ball is fired from the firing barrel 903, it is detected byeach of the two sensors. The ball then imparts to the immovable plate,rebounds off of the plate, and is detected by the sensors again. Thesensors precisely detect the passage of the ball. Using the recordedinbound and outbound times of ball passage, along with the known precisesensor locations, inbound and outbound velocities may be calculated. Ina preferred embodiment, the sensors are connected to a computer 915 orcontroller. The computer 915 or controller analyzes the times that arerelayed from the sensors and calculates the inbound and outboundvelocities. The COR of a ball may be calculated because the COR is theratio of the outbound velocity to the inbound velocity.

The relationship between COR and ball velocity varies in a substantiallylinear manner. The most reliable method of determining the COR of agiven set of balls is to test the balls at two substantially differentvelocities. A graph may then be created using a slope of velocity vs.COR. COR values at any intercept of this slope may then be extracted.This method of calculating COR is well known to those skilled in theart.

Preferably, the two velocities are generated by using two pressures.This may include determining the COR at a low pressure, for example, 50feet/second (ft/s), and at a high pressure, for example, 200 ft/s. Aspreviously discussed, the pressures may be generated by using apressurized air tank 911 or a air pressure regulator or regulators. Thismethod is well known to those skilled in the art.

In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to test, forexample, the quality or durability of an object. In such embodiments, asphere may be fired at an immovable plate, as previously described. Forexample, it may be desirable to determine a balls' durability when it isstruck by a club at a given velocity. This may be accomplished by, forexample, firing the ball at an immovable plate, recording the ballsinbound and outbound velocity, and then collecting the ball foranalysis. By varying the velocity and/or the number of times the ball isfired at the immovable plate, the quality and/or durability of the ballmay be determined. This is just one example. Any type of physicalanalysis of a spherical object desired by those skilled in the art maybe determined in accordance with the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more balls are loaded into a loadingcylinder 913. The loading cylinder 913 then individually feeds each ballinto the firing barrel 903. Differently sized firing barrels 917 may beused depending on the size of the object that is being fired. Apressurized air tank 911 then fires air into the firing barrel 903,causing the ball to be propelled out of the barrel and into a testingchamber 905. As the ball passes through the testing chamber 905, twosensors precisely detect the passage of the ball. The sensors maytransmit this information to a computer 915 or controller that recordsthe information.

After passing through the sensors, the ball imparts on a strikingsurface, and rebounds off of it. After rebounding, the ball once againpasses through the two sensors. The passage of the ball is once againprecisely recorded and transmitted to a computer 915 or controller. Thisprocess is repeated for each ball that needs to be tested.

After a ball rebounds off the striking surface, it eventually comes torest on the floor of the testing chamber 905. The floor of the testingchamber uses gravity to direct the balls towards a ball retrievalmechanism that is located on the floor of the testing chamber 905. Theball retrieval mechanism then directs the balls into a ball returntubing system 901. A controllable gate 907 directs the balls once theyenter the ball return tubing system 901. If it is desirable to re-testthe balls, they may be directed to continue along the ball return tubingsystem 901. If it is desirable to collect the balls, the controllablegate 907 may direct the balls to a pick up tray 909. If the balls aredirected back along the ball return tubing system 901, they will bedirected back towards the firing barrel 903 for re-testing. The processmay then be repeated.

In a preferred embodiment, a computer 915 or controller may be used tocontrol each aspect of the invention. For example, the computer 915 orcontroller may control the pressurized air tank 911, the controllablegate 907, or the loading cylinder 913. In addition, the computer 915 orcontroller may calculate the COR of one or more balls based on the datatransmitted from the sensors. Of course, this is just one example. Theoperation of the present invention may be modified, and steps may beadded, removed, or rearranged, as desired by those skilled in the art.

Other embodiments of the present invention are directed towards anapparatus and method for the simultaneous measurement of contact timeand COR of a golf ball or golf ball core during normal use. This aspectof the invention may be used interchangeably with other embodimentsdescribed herein, including those described above.

One embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1, includes an apparatus20 having an object 36, a propelling device 34, a striking surface 22,at least one sensing unit 200, and a computing unit 500 in communicationwith the sensing unit.

The object 36 can be any item that is able to be fired from thepropelling device 34, for example, such as a golf ball or a golf ballcore. The propelling device 34 can be any device that can propel theobject toward the striking surface 22, for example, such as an aircannon, a linear motor, a translating belt, or the like. The propellingdevice 34 is preferably capable of propelling the object 36 at speedsfrom about 50 to about 200 feet/second (ft/s). In one embodiment, thepropelling device 34 is an air cannon that propels the object 36initially horizontally in the air toward the striking surface 22.

The line pressure (about 50 psi to about 120 psi) may enter a regulatorin order to feed pneumatic automation. The precision regulator may thenfeed the pressure to the air cannon to between about 5 psi to about 50psi. In one embodiment, the air is stored in a tank (not shown). Thetank can hold a volume of air, for example, about 1 to about 5 times thebarrel volume. A solenoid, e.g., such as a SMC # NVG 342-JT-D4NA, may beused to trigger a valve in order to release the stored pressurized air.An industrial valve, e.g., such as a Dubbin Industrial Valve C244 5001,may be used to release air into the main firing chamber to propel theobject.

The firing pressure is controlled by a regulator, e.g., such as a SMC#IR3020-N04 #10. The object velocity can be varied by varying thepressure with the regulator. As the object 36 is released frompropelling device 34, it passes through at least one sensing device 30.

The sensing unit(s) 200 includes sensing devices which, in turn, includesensors capable of detecting passing objects. Suitable sensing devicesmay be obtained from STM #RLSM 320-320 AP.

The computing unit 500 includes timers and a central processing unit(CPU), and is in communication with the sensing unit 200. The computingunit 500 can register the detection made by the sensing unit(s) 200 andcan then calculate the physical response of the object 36 based on thosedetection measurements and other necessary information. Extra features,such as safety mechanisms and release plates, are preferably added tomake the device easier and safer to use. A programmable logic controller(PLC), e.g., a Direct Logic 305 unit, may be used to automate operation.

In one embodiment, the striking surface 22 is a rigid planar surface. Inanother embodiment, the striking surface 22 is a block, e.g., a steelblock, although a metal plate or a golf club head may be equallysuitable. In one embodiment, the mass of the block is preferably atleast about 50 times greater than the mass of the object 36. In anotherembodiment, the mass of the block is preferably at least about 100 timesgreater than the mass of the object 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the propelling device 34 fires an object 36 at thestriking surface 22 such that it passes through the sensing unit 200.Preferably, the object 36 strikes the striking surface 22 (e.g., in adirection relatively normal to the striking surface 22) and then bouncesback (e.g., also in a direction relatively normal to the strikingsurface 22). The sensing unit(s) 200 detects the presence of the object36, and in cooperation with timers, makes it possible to measure thetime required for the object to travel between discrete distances withinthe space between the propelling device 34 and the striking surface 22.The computing unit 500 computes the COR and contact time of the object36 using the measurements of time between activation of the sensingunit(s) 200 and discrete distances between sensing unit(s) 200.

The propelling device 34 can be situated in such a way that it fires theobject in any direction. Preferably, the striking surface 22 is situatedsuch that the striking surface 22 is perpendicular to the direction inwhich the propelling device 34 fires the object 36. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1, the propellingdevice 34 is situated in such a way that it fires the object 36 in ahorizontal direction, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of gravity,denoted as g in FIG. 1, and the striking surface 22 is situatedvertically, i.e., perpendicular to the direction in which the propellingdevice 34 fires the object 36. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the propelling device 34 is situated in such a way that itfires the object 36 vertically in the upward direction and the strikingsurface 22 is situated horizontally, i.e., perpendicular to thedirection in which the propelling device 34 fires the object 36.

FIG. 2 shows another arrangement of the sensing unit 200 within theapparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1. The sensing unit 200 enables a timemeasurement for an object to travel between discrete points within thespace between the propelling device 34 and the striking surface 22. Thismeasurement enables the calculation of the contact time between theobject 36 and the striking surface 22. The sensing unit 200 also enablesthe calculation of the velocity of the object 36 before and after theobject 36 contacts the striking surface 22. The calculation of thevelocity, in turn, will enable the calculation of the COR of the object,because the COR of the object is the ratio of the outbound or reboundvelocity to the inbound or impact velocity as the object strikes thestriking surface in the normal direction.

In FIG. 2, the sensing unit 200 includes a sensing device 30, located inthe space between the propelling device 34 and the striking surface 22.The sensing device 30 has a sensing field covering a sensing plane 300.The sensing device 30 preferably has an on/off switch such that, whenany portion of the object 36 is in the sensing plane 300, the on/offstatus changes. The timer included in the computing unit 500, incommunication with the sensing device 30, starts and stops in accordancewith the changes in the on/off status of the sensing device 30. The timeduration between the starts and stops is recorded by the centralprocessing unit.

The sensing device 30 may be a sensor with an on/off status that cansignal a timer when any portion of an object 36 is in the sensing plane300, such as a light gate, a ballistics screen, an optical sensor, orthe like. In one embodiment, the sensing device 30 is a light gate. Inanother embodiment, the sensing device 30 is a ballistics screen. In yetanother embodiment, the sensing device 30 includes a coherent lightsource, such as a laser. The laser preferably has a wavelength fromabout 400 nanometers (nm) and about 800 nm. The laser beam is preferablysplit into multiple beams to form the sensing plane 300.

In one embodiment, the sensing device 30 includes a plurality ofdiscrete sensors to provide for a widened sensing plane. The pluralityof sensors may be arranged in any manner to allow sensing of an objectpassing through the predetermined plane. In one embodiment, a lineararray of individual emitters may be arranged opposite a linear array ofindividual receivers. In another embodiment, a laser and beam splitteris used to emit light opposite a linear array of individual receivers.The emitters may be arranged across one edge of the predetermined planeof the sensing device and the receivers may be arranged across adirectly opposing edge, although the arrangement of the plurality ofsensors is not limited merely to these type of conformations. Forexample, an alternating linear array of individual emitters andreceivers can be arranged opposite a similar alternating linear array ofindividual receivers and emitters. Alternately, either array may includestaggering the emitters or receivers or both and/or arranging theemitters or receivers or both in blocks that may alternate, instead ofalternating individual emitters and receivers.

Further, according to the invention, the plurality of sensors, or theplanar emitters and receivers, may be arranged so that there are an evennumber of edges from which signals are being emitted and by whichsignals are being received. In the simplest case, with a planar emitteror a linear array of individual emitters on one edge and a planarreceiver or a linear array of individual receivers on a directlyopposing edge, the number would be two. In another embodiment, signalscan be emitted and received as above, with other signals being emittedand received in the same manner, but oriented orthogonally in the planeto the previous signals. In this embodiment, the signals wouldcrisscross and the number would be four (i.e., a square or rectanglewhere each side is capable of emitting or receiving a signal). Inanother embodiment, three such sets of signals can be emitted andreceived in the same manner as above, with each signal emitted orreceived being oriented at 60° to any other emitted or received signal;the number in this case would be six (i.e., a hexagon where each side iscapable of emitting or receiving a signal). In yet another embodiment,four sets of signals can be emitted and received in the same manner asabove, with each signal emitted or received being oriented at 45° to anyother emitted or received signal; the number in this case would be eight(i.e., an octagon where each side is capable of emitting or receiving asignal). Alternately, the plurality of sensors may be arranged so thatthe individual emitters and receivers are situated opposite each otherin any arrangement, so that the shape defined by those emitters andreceivers is circular within the predetermined plane of the sensingdevice.

In FIG. 2, the sensing device 30 is arranged in such a way that thesensing plane 300 is parallel to the striking surface 22. The distancebetween the sensing plane 300 and the striking surface 22, D, is greaterthan the dimension of the object 36 (e.g., the diameter of the golfball), d. After the object 36 is fired from the propelling device 34, itpasses through the sensing plane 300. The sensing device 30 transmits asignal to the computing unit 500, causing the timer to start and thecentral processing unit to record the start time t₁, when the foremostpoint of the object 36 enters the sensing plane 300. The sensing device30 then sends another signal to the computing unit 500 to register thetime t₂, when the rearmost point of the object 36 leaves the sensingplane 300. When the object 36 rebounds back from the striking surface 22and passes through the sensing plane 300, the sensing device 30transmits another signal to the computing unit 500 to register the timet₃, when the foremost point of the object enters the sensing plane 300.The sensing device 30 sends yet another signal to the computing unit500, registering time t₄, when the rearmost point of the object leavesthe sensing plane 300.

Based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at a speed v₁, in adirection normal to the striking surface 22 before striking, and thatthe sensing plane 300 is parallel to the direction of gravity, the speedv₁ can be calculated as the ratio of the dimension of the object 36 tothe time duration for the object 36 to go through the sensing plane 300the first time: v₁=d/(t₂-t₁).

Similarly, based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at anotherconstant speed v₂, in a direction normal to the striking surface 22after striking it, and that the sensing plane 300 is parallel to thedirection of gravity, the speed v₂ can be calculated as the ratio of thedimension of the object 36 to the time duration for the object 36 to gothrough the sensing plane 300 the second time: v₂=d/(t₄-t₃).

The Coefficient of the Restitution (COR) can therefore be calculated asv₂/v₁, or (t₂-t₁)/(t₄−t₃).

FIG. 3 illustrates that upon initially leaving the sensing plane 300,the object 36 travels a distance of (D−d) at the speed v₁ normal to thestriking surface 22 before contact. This takes a time period ofP₁=(D−d)/v₁. Likewise, after leaving the striking surface 22, the object36 travels a distance of (D−d) at the speed v₂ normal to the sensingplane 300 before entering the second time. This takes a time period ofP₂=(D−d)/v₂.

Because the object 36 stays past the sensing plane 300 (moving towardthe striking surface 22) for a total time of t₃−t₂, ie., after leavingthe sensing plane 300 initially and before reentering the sensing plane300 the second time, the contact time between the object 36 and thestriking surface 22, t_(bc), is: $\begin{matrix}{t_{bc} = {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - P_{1} - P_{2}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {\left( {D - d} \right)/v_{2}} - {\left( {D - d} \right)/v_{2}}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {\left( {D - d} \right){\left( {t_{4} - t_{3}} \right)/d}} - {\left( {D - d} \right){\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)/{d.}}}}}\end{matrix}$

FIG. 4 shows another arrangement of the apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1. Incomparison to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this embodiment,the sensing unit 200 includes a first sensing device 30 and a secondsensing device 32, each having a sensing field covering a first sensingplane 300 and a second sensing plane 310, respectively. The secondsensing device 32, located in the space between the first sensing device300 and the striking surface 22 preferably has an on/off switch suchthat, when any portion of the object is in the second predeterminedplane, the on/off status changes, as discussed with respect to theon/off switch of the sensing device 30 in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The second sensing device 32 may also be a sensor with an on/off statusto signal a timer when any portion of an object 36 is in the secondsensing plane 310, such as a light gate, a solid ballistics screen, or afiber optic sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the second sensing device32 is a light gate. In another preferred embodiment, the second sensingdevice 32 is a ballistics screen. In yet another preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the second sensing device 32 includes a pluralityof sensors to provide for a widened second sensing plane 310. In yetanother embodiment, the second sensing device 310 includes a coherentlight source, such as a laser. The laser preferably has a wavelengthfrom about 400 nanometers (nm) and about 800 nm. The laser beam ispreferably split into multiple beams to form the second sensing plane310.

In FIG. 4, the second sensing device 32 is arranged in such a way thatthe second sensing plane 310, like the first sensing plane 300, is alsoparallel to the surface of the striking surface 22. The distance betweenthe second sensing plane 310 and the first sensing plane 300 is Y andthe distance between the second sensing plane 310 and the strikingsurface 22 is Z. Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, Z is greater than d, thedimension of the object.

After the object 36 is fired from the propelling device 34, it passesthrough the first sensing plane 300 and then the second sensing plane310. The first sensing device 30 sends a signal to the computing unit500, causing the timer in the computing unit to start and the centralprocessing unit to record the time t₁, when the foremost point of theobject 36 enters the first sensing plane 300. The second sensing device32 also sends a signal to the computing unit 500, causing the timer inthe computing unit to start at time t₂ and the central processing unitto record the time t₂, when the foremost point of the object 36 entersthe second sensing plane 310. When the object 36 rebounds back from thestriking surface 22 and passes through the second sensing plane 310 andthen the first sensing plane 300, the second sensing device sendsanother signal to the computing unit 500 to register the time t₃, whenthe foremost point of the object 36 enters the second sensing plane 310the second time. The first sensing device 30 also sends a signal to thecomputing unit 500 to register the time t₄, when the foremost point ofthe object 36 enters the first sensing plane 300 the second time.

Based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at a speed v₁, in adirection normal to the striking surface 22 before contact, and that thesensing planes 300, 310 are parallel to the direction of gravity, thespeed v₁ can be calculated as the ratio of the predetermined distance Ybetween the first sensing plane 300 and the second sensing plane 310 tothe time duration for the object 36 to travel between the sensingplanes:v₁=Y/(t₂−t₁).

Similarly, based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at anotherspeed v₂, in a direction normal to the striking surface after contact,and that the sensing planes 300, 310 are parallel to the direction ofgravity, the speed v₂ can be calculated as the ratio of thepredetermined distance Y between the first and the second sensing planes310 to the time duration for the object 36 to travel between the sensingplanes:v₂=Y/(t₄−t₃).

The Coefficient of the Restitution (COR) can therefore be calculated asv₂/v₁, or (t₂−t₁)/(t₄−t₃).

Similar to the situation shown in FIG. 3, after entering the secondsensing plane 310 the first time, the object 36 travels a distance of Zat the speed v₁, in a direction normal to the striking surface 22 beforecontact. This time period is P₁=Z/v₁. Likewise, after leaving thestriking surface 22, the object 36 travels a distance of (Z−d) at thespeed v₂, normal to the second sensing plane 310, before entering it thesecond time. This time period is P₂=(Z−d)/v₂.

Because the object 36 stays past (toward the striking surface withrespect to) the second sensing plane 310 for a total time of t₃−t₂,i.e., after leaving the second sensing plane 310 the first time andbefore entering the second sensing plane 310 the second time, thecontact time between the object 36 and the striking surface 22, t_(bc),is: $\begin{matrix}{t_{bc} = {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - P_{1} - P_{2}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {\left( {Z - d} \right)/v_{2}} - {\left( {Z - d} \right)/v_{1}}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {\left( {Z - d} \right){\left( {t_{4} - t_{3}} \right)/Y}} - {{Z\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)}/{Y.}}}}\end{matrix}$

Although FIG. 4 is a more complex arrangement and requires two sensingdevices, instead of only one sensing device as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,this arrangement has a distance Y between the two sensing planes, whichis significantly larger than that dimension d of the object 36. Thisdifference in dimensions provides enhanced accuracy for the velocitymeasurement of the object 36. In one embodiment, the distance Y is about12 inches or greater. In another embodiment, the predetermined distanceY is about 4 feet or greater.

FIG. 5 shows another arrangement of the apparatus 20 using two sensingdevices. In this arrangement, the second sensing device 32 is locatedmuch closer to the striking surface 22 than as illustrated in FIG. 4.Consequently, the distance between the second sensing plane 310 and thestriking surface, Z, is less than the dimension, d, of the object 36. Inthis embodiment, the first and second sensing devices 30, 32 sendsignals to the computing unit 500 in the same way prior to the objectcontacting the striking surface 22, i.e., after the object 36 is firedfrom the propelling device 34, it passes through the first sensing plane300 and then the second sensing plane 310. The first sensing device 30sends a signal to the computing unit 500 to register the time t₁, whenthe foremost point of the object enters the first sensing plane 300. Thesecond sensing device 32 also sends a signal to the computing unit 500to register the time t₂, when the foremost point of the object 36 entersthe second sensing plane 310.

However, the first and second sensing devices 30, 32 send signals to thecomputing unit 500 in a different way after the object contacts thestriking surface 22. Because the distance between the second sensingplane 310 and the striking surface 22, Z, is less than d, the dimensionof the object, the object can not leave the second sensing plane 310before contacting the striking surface 22. The object is also not ableto enter the second sensing plane 310 a second time after contacting thestriking surface 22. Instead, the object remains in the second sensingplane 310 when in contact with the striking surface 22. Thus, when theobject 36 rebounds back from the striking surface 22, the second sensingdevice 32 sends a signal to the computing unit 500 to register the timet₃, when the rearmost point of the object 36 leaves the second sensingplane 310, instead of when the foremost point of the object enters thesecond sensing plane 310 the second time. The first sensing device 30,like before, sends a signal to the computing unit 500 to register thetime t₄, when the foremost point of the object enters the first sensingplane 300 the second time.

Based on the assumption that the object travels at a constant speed v₁,in a direction normal to the striking surface before contact, and thatthe sensing planes 300, 310 are parallel to the direction of gravity,the speed v₁ can be calculated as the ratio of the distance Y betweenthe sensing planes 300, 310 to the time duration for the object totravel between the first and second sensing planes 300, 310 the firsttime:v ₁ =Y/(t ₂ −t ₁).

Similarly, based on the assumption that the object travels at anotherconstant speed v₂, in a direction normal to the striking surface aftercontact, and that the sensing planes 300, 310 are parallel to thedirection of gravity, the speed v₂ can be calculated as the ratio of thedistance Y between the first and the second predetermined planes minusthe object diameter d to the time duration for the object to travelbetween the sensing planes 300, 310 the second time:v ₂=(Y−d)/(t ₄ −t ₃).

The Coefficient of the Restitution (COR) can therefore be calculated asv₂/v₁, or (Y−d)(t₂−t₁)/[Y(t₄−t₃)].

After entering the second sensing plane 310, the object 36 travels adistance of D at the speed v₁ normal to the striking surface 22 beforecontact. This requires a time period of P₁=D/v₁. Likewise, after leavingthe striking surface, the object travels a distance of D at the speed v₂normal to the second sensing plane 310 before leaving the second sensingplane 310. This requires a time period of P₂=D/v₂.

Because the object 36 stays within the second sensing plane 310 for atotal time of t₃−t₂ after entering and before leaving the second sensingplane 310, the contact time the object 36 makes with the strikingsurface 22, t_(bc), is: $\begin{matrix}{t_{bc} = {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - P_{1} - P_{2}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {Z/v_{2}} - {Z/v_{1}}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {{Z\left( {t_{4} - t_{3}} \right)}/\left( {Y - d} \right)} - {{Z\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)}/{Y.}}}}\end{matrix}$

As discussed with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, althoughFIG. 5 shows a more complex dual sensing device arrangement, thedistance Y between the two sensing planes 300, 310, which issignificantly larger than the dimension of the object d, provides a moreaccurate measurement of the velocity of the object 36 and contact timewith the striking surface 22.

In order for this embodiment to provide accurate measurements, thedistance Z between the second sensing plane 310 and the striking surface22 must be small. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the distance Z is about 1 inch or less. In another preferred embodimentof the present invention, the distance Z is about 0.25 inches or less.In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedistance Z is about 0.13 inches or less.

FIG. 6 shows another arrangement of apparatus 20 of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the sensing unit further includes a thirdsensing device 38, in addition to the first sensing device 30 and secondsensing device 32 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The third sensing device 38 islocated near the striking surface 22. It has a sensing area covering anthird sensing plane 320 that is parallel to the striking surface 22. Thethird sensing device 38 is designed specifically for the purpose ofenabling the registration of the time duration during which any part ofthe object 36 is in the third sensing plane 320. According to thisembodiment, after the object 36 is fired from the propelling device 34,the first and second sensing devices 30, 32 signal the computing unit500 to register the time duration t₁ between the time when the foremostpoint of the object 36 enters the first sensing plane 300 and the timewhen the foremost point of the object 36 enters the second sensing plane310. The computing unit 500 also registers the time duration Tb duringwhich the object 36 stays in the third sensing plane 320. When theobject 36 rebounds back from the striking surface 22, the sensingdevices signal the computing unit 500 to register the time duration t₂between the time when the foremost point of the object 36 enters thesecond sensing plane 310 the second time and the time when the foremostpoint of the object enters the first sensing plane 300 the second time.

Based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at a constant speedv₁, in a direction normal to the striking surface 22 before contact, andthat the sensing planes are parallel to the direction of gravity, thespeed v₁ can be calculated as the ratio of the predetermined distance Ybetween the first and the second sensing planes 300, 310 to the timeduration for the object to travel between the two sensing planes thefirst time:v ₁ =Y/t ₁.

Similarly, based on the assumption that the object travels at anotherconstant speed v₂, in a direction normal to the striking surface 22after contact, the speed V₂ can be calculated as the ratio of thepredetermined distance Y between the first and the second sensing planes300, 310 to the time duration for the object to travel between the twosensing planes the second time:v ₂ =Y/t ₂.

The Coefficient of the Restitution (COR) can therefore be calculated asv₂/v₁, or t₁/t₂, and the contact time between the object 36 and thestriking surface 22, t_(bc), can be considered equivalent to the timeduration T_(b) during which the object 36 stays in the second sensingplane 310 minus the inbound and outbound flight time to transit thedistance Y₂. Thus, t_(bc)=T_(b)−Y₂/v₁−Y₂/v₂.

In order for this embodiment to provide accurate measurements, thedistance Y₂ between the third sensing plane 320 and the striking surface22 must be small. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the distance Y₂ is about 1 inch or less. In another preferred embodimentof the present invention, the distance Y₂ is about 0.25 inches or less.In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedistance Y₂ is about 0.13 inches or less.

The striking surface 22 in this embodiment is preferably a rigid blockor metal plate. The apparatus 20 is preferably set up to operate in ahorizontal position with the sensing planes 300, 310, 320 parallel tothe direction of gravity.

In one embodiment, the third sensing device 38 is a fiber optic sensorincluding a planar optical emitter and a planar optical receiveradjacent to the striking surface 22. The use of fiber optic sensors isadvantageous because: (1) balls and cores are usable withoutmodification of the apparatus; (2) fiber optic components and associatedelectronic signal processing hardware may be designed to operate atswitching frequencies of 500 kHz which resolves contact time to anaccuracy of 2 microseconds; and (3) the use of fiber opticssignificantly reduces problems associated with radio frequency inducedelectronic noise.

Contact time may also be measured by placing conductive foil on theobject 36 and by placing a lattice of conductors on the striking surface22. When the object 36 is in contact with the striking surface 22, theresistance of the lattice can vary measurably. Contact duration isgenerally linked to the duration of the resistance change. Thistechnique is effective but can have deficiencies in comparison to theoptical technique. The deficiencies can include: 1) alteration of theballs or cores to have conductive surfaces; 2) the conductive latticesustaining damage after repeated impact; and 3) the electronic circuitsrequired to measure resistance variations are prone to radio frequencynoise and do not operate at as high a frequency as the optical techniquedisclosed above.

FIG. 7 shows a preferred third sensing device 38 in detail. The thirdsensing device 38 includes a light or other energy source 58 andreceiver 60. The planar emitter 24, or other energy transmitter,preferably includes a number of components. A power supply 62, e.g.,such as a regulated 12 volt 0.5 amp DC power supply, is connected to anadjustable monolithic regulator 64. This adjustable voltage is appliedto an energy emitter 66, such as a lamp, e.g., a #349 miniatureincandescent lamp, that is preferably within an enclosed housing 68. Thehousing 68 should generally accept a standard fiber optic assembly 70,e.g., such as one that has a thin, flat dispersion at the opposed end72. The opposed end may be held in position, e.g., by a Ultra HighMolecular Weight polyethylene panel (UHMW panel) 74, held andconstrained in position by flat ceramic magnets 76. Typically, the panel74 is slightly removed from the striking surface 22 by a short distanceA, which is preferably about 0.25 inches or less, and is cut away toform an opening 80 in the center such that a golf ball may pass throughand strike the rigid block 78. A fiber assembly 70 is placed at thisopening 80 and opposes a second fiber assembly 82 directly across theopening 80, which forms part of the optical planar receiver 26. At theopposite end 84, 92 of each fiber assembly 82, 70 is an identical fiberassembly contained within an enclosed housing 68, 86 is an opticreceiver 66, 88.

In a preferred embodiment, each optic receiver 66, 88 is an invertingfiber optic receiver, e.g., such as Honeywell Model HFD-3031. Eachinverting fiber optic receiver is electrically connected to the input ofa counter/timer computer interface card 64, 90. The counter/timercomputer interface card 64, 90 preferably has an operating frequency ofabout 500 kHz or greater, more preferably about 1 MHz or greater. Theoperating frequency should be advantageously selected to provide as muchaccuracy and resolution as possible for contact time and CORmeasurements.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8, similarto the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 using two sensing devices incombination with one or more optical cameras. In this embodiment, thesensing unit 200 includes a first sensing device 30 and a second sensingdevice 32, each having a sensing field covering a first sensing plane300 and a second sensing plane 310, respectively, that are parallel tothe surface of the striking surface 22. A camera system 325 includes atleast one camera and lighting unit. At least two optical cameras arepreferred to triangulate the space with triggers and timers. FIG. 8illustrates this embodiment in which the camera system 325 includes afirst camera 330 and a second camera 340, positioned in between thesensing planes 300, 310.

The sensing devices 30, 32 may also be sensors with an on/off status tosimultaneously signal at least one timer in the computing unit 500 andthe camera system 325 when any portion of an object 36 passes throughthe first or second sensing planes 300, 310. For example, the sensingdevices 30, 32 may be coherent light sources, such as lasers. Thesensing devices 30, 32 may communicate via an asynchronous protocolthrough the computing device 500 to the camera system 325 and timers tocontrol activation.

The camera system 325 preferably includes a lighting system, such as adual strobe lighting unit, and a filtering system, for each camera used.The cameras 330, 340 used in this embodiment are preferablyelectro-optical cameras with light-receiving apertures, shutters, andlight sensitive silicon panels as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,719,which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. Multishuttercameras may also be used as disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No.09/379,592, the contents of which are incorporated in its entirety byreference herein. Suitable commercially available cameras include, butare not limited to, ELECTRIM EDC-1000U Computer Cameras (EDC Cameras)from Electrim Corporation in Princeton, N.J. Charge coupled device orCCD cameras are preferred, but TV-type video cameras are also useful.

In one embodiment, the camera is a CCD camera with about 90,000 pixelsor greater. In a preferred embodiment, the camera has about 300,000pixels or greater, and, more preferably, the camera has about 1,000,000pixels.

FIG. 8 illustrates an object 36 in various positions I-IV after firingfrom the propelling device 34 on the outbound trip to the strikingsurface 22, and on the return (inbound) flight, V-VIII, after contactingthe striking surface 22. After the object 36 is fired from thepropelling device 34, it passes through the first sensing plane 300.When the foremost point of the object 36 enters the first sensing plane300 (Position I), the first sensing device 30 sends a signal to thecomputing unit 500 to activate the camera system 325. Once activated,the cameras 330, 340 each acquire a first image, e.g., Position II.After a known time interval (t_(c)), the cameras 330, 340 each acquire asecond image, e.g., Position III.

The object 36 then moves through the second sensing plane 310 (PositionIV) and the computing unit 500 receives a signal from the sensing device32 to store a time t₂. The object 36 then continues along the flightpath (FP_(out)), impacts the striking surface 22, and rebounds,following the inbound flight path (FP_(in)). As the object 36 moves intoPosition V, the sensing device 32 again activates the cameras 340, 330and sends a signal to the computing unit to record a time t₃. Thecameras 340, 330 each acquire a pair of images, e.g., Positions VI andVII.

The first and second images acquired by each camera make it possible totriangulate the spacial coordinates of the object 36 at each imagecapture, which allows for the determination of the distance between theobject 36 at Positions II and III, and Positions VI and VII, to bedetermined. In another embodiment, however, a dual camera system isused, but each camera has a single flash. In yet another embodiment, asingle camera is used. Because a dual camera system is used, the.

Based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at a constant speedv₁, in a direction normal to the striking surface 22 before contact, andthat the sensing planes 300, 310 are parallel to the direction ofgravity, the speed v₁ can be calculated as the ratio of the distance D₁between the first and second image and the time between each imagecapture t_(c):v ₁ =D ₁ /t _(c).

Similarly, based on the assumption that the object 36 travels at anotherconstant speed v₂ on the inbound flight path (FP_(in)) after contact, ina direction normal to the striking surface, and that the sensing planes300, 310 are perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the velocity v₂can be calculated as the ratio of the distance D₂ between the first andsecond images and the time between each image capture t_(c):v₂ =D ₂ /t _(c).

The Coefficient of the Restitution (COR) can therefore be calculated asv₂/v₁, or D₂/D .

Similar to the situation shown in FIG. 4, after passing through thesensing unit 32 (Position IV), wherein time t₂ is logged, the objecttravels a distance of C at the speed v₁, in a direction normal to thestriking surface 22 before contact. This time period is P₁=C/v₁.Likewise, after leaving the striking surface 22, the object 36 travels adistance of C at the speed v₂, in a direction normal to the secondsensing plane 310, before passing back through the sensing unit 32 attime t₃ (Position V). This time period is P₂=C/v₂.

Because the object 36 stays past (toward the striking surface withrespect to) the sensing unit 32 for a total time of t₃−t₂, the contacttime between the object 36 and the striking surface 22, t_(bc), is:$\begin{matrix}{t_{bc} = {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - P_{1} - P_{2}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {C/v_{1}} - {C/v_{2}}}} \\{= {\left( {t_{3} - t_{2}} \right) - {{C\left( t_{c} \right)}/D_{1}} - {{C\left( t_{c} \right)}/{D_{2}.}}}}\end{matrix}$

Any number of ways can be used to calibrate the apparatus 20. Forexample, when calibrating the system using sensing devices, but nooptical cameras, an object 36 may be attached to a measurement device,e.g., such as a dial indicator (not shown). The object is introducedinto the path 96 of the normal flight of the object 36 toward thestriking surface 22, as shown in FIG. 7. When sufficient light isobstructed, the optic receiver will indicate a HIGH reading. Thedistance between the striking surface 22 and the position of the object36 when the receiver indicates a HIGH signal is measured. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, this distance is Y₂ and is required in thecomputation of the contact time. The time it takes for the object 36 tocontact the striking surface 22 and rebound through the distance Y₂ canbe subtracted from the duration of time that the HIGH signal ismaintained to correct the contact time measurement.

EXAMPLES

These and other aspects of the present invention may be more fullyunderstood by reference to the following tests. While these tests aremeant to be illustrative of the apparatus made according to the presentinvention, the present invention is not meant to be limited by thefollowing tests.

Testing was performed on various balls using the apparatus of thepresent invention. As is shown in Table 1 below, the HP Eclipse™, adouble core ball, and the DTTM two-piece, a two-piece ball, have similarcompressions when measured on an Atti compression machine, yet theircontact times or impact stiffness measured at a velocity of about 250ft/s are significantly different. The HP Eclipse™ has a much longercontact time or lower impact stiffness, and a softer feel. TABLE 1 AttiBall Compression Velocity COR Contact Time DT 2-Piece ™ 92.7 254.430.817 422.9 HP Eclipse ™ 92.2 250.67 0.793 451.4

Thus, contact time is a better measure of ball stiffness than staticcompression testing.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the inventionherein disclosed fulfills the objectives stated above, it will beappreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may bedevised by those skilled in the art. For example, another device couldbe used for shooting the object out toward the massive block, the devicemay be oriented at any angle with respect to gravity, or othercalculations based on simple trigonometric functions may be employedalong with the recorded measurements to account for the effect of thegravitational force on the calculation of the COR. In addition, it willbe appreciated that numerous combinations of described and inferredembodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, theautomatic testing apparatus may be combined with the method formeasuring contact time. In other embodiments, the automatic testingdevices may be combined with the method for calculating COR that isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-8. Therefore, it will be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand embodiments which come within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in theart that the invention is capable of a variety of alternativeembodiments within the spirit of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a plurality ofgolf balls, the apparatus comprising: a striking surface; a propellingdevice facing the striking surface that fires the plurality of golfballs toward the striking surface, wherein said propelling devicecomprises an interchangeable barrel system; a sensing unit locatedbetween the striking surface and the propelling device, wherein thesensing unit has a measuring field covering a space between thepropelling device and the striking surface, and wherein the sensing unitis capable of measuring the time it takes for each of the plurality ofgolf balls to travel a distance in the measuring field of the sensingunit; and a computing unit that calculates the Coefficient ofRestitution of the golf ball, wherein the computing unit is incommunication with the sensing unit and wherein the computing unit iscapable of recording impact properties for each impact of a plurality ofgolf balls.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the impactproperties comprise one of: Coefficient of restitution; contact time;inbound velocity; and rebound velocity.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a dampening device including compliantmaterial, wherein the compliant material is selectively positioned todecrease the speed of the sample after impact with the striking surface;a testing chamber including at least the striking surface, thepropelling device, and the sensing unit, wherein the floor of thetesting chamber is configured and dimensioned to include a trap doorthat is capable of allowing debris to exit the testing chamber; and adebris removal device selectively positioned about the floor of thetesting chamber, wherein the debris removal device is capable ofdirecting at least a portion of debris towards the trap door.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the debris removal device iscapable of imparting vibrations to the floor of the testing chamber. 5.The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the debris removal devicecomprises a plurality of air nozzles capable of directing compressed airin a predetermined direction.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the dampening device comprises a curtain including compliantmaterial.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the curtain isselectively positioned between the propelling device and the sensingunit, and wherein the curtain is configured and dimensioned to includean opening that does not obstruct a golf ball exiting the propellingdevice.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the propellingdevice is capable of firing greater than about 10 balls per minute. 9.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the propelling device iscapable of firing greater than about 20 balls per minute.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computing unit is capable ofdetermining when a golf ball has failed based on the Coefficient ofRestitution.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein thecomputing unit determines a golf ball has failed when its Coefficient ofRestitution changes by about 10% or more.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the computing unit determines a golf ball has failedwhen its Coefficient of Restitution changes by about 15% or more. 13.The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the computing unitdetermines a golf ball has failed when its Coefficient of Restitutionchanges by between about 0.015 and about 0.045.
 14. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the computing unit is capable ofcontrolling the number of times each of the plurality of balls arefired.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computingunit is capable of testing at least some of the plurality of golf ballsbased on test criteria including at least one of: number of test cyclesfor each of the plurality of balls; COR failure criteria; average COR ofeach of the plurality of balls; and contact time.
 16. A method ofmeasuring Coefficient of Restitution of a plurality of golf ballscomprising the steps of: providing a propelling device, a strikingsurface, and a sensing unit located between the striking surface and thepropelling device; automatically firing each of the plurality of golfballs towards the striking surface with the propelling device;automatically recording impact properties for each impact of a pluralityof golf balls; measuring a first velocity of the golf balls before itcontacts the striking surface; measuring a second velocity of the golfballs after it rebounds from the striking surface; and calculating theCoefficient of Restitution.
 17. The method according to claim 16,wherein the impact properties comprise one of: Coefficient ofRestitution; contact time; rebound velocity; and inbound velocity. 18.The method according to claim 16, further comprising: automaticallydetermining if a golf ball has a compromised structural integrity;automatically directing a golf ball having a compromised structuralintegrity towards an exit; automatically directing the remaining golfballs towards the propelling device; and automatically tracking each ofthe balls to determine which balls are directed towards the exit andwhich balls are directed towards the propelling device.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising: decreasing the speed of thegolf ball after it rebounds from the striking surface; selectivelypositioning an exit that is capable of passing debris; and forcingdebris towards the exit.
 20. The method according to claim 18, whereinthe automatically determining is based on a percentage change inCoefficient of Restitution between two firings of the same golf ball.